Difference between revisions of "LINC-8"
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Special [[interrupt]]-driven code ('PROGOFOP' - 'program of operation') in the PDP-8 allowed code running in the LINC access to PDP-8 resources; the PDP-8 likewise had access to the resources of the LINC (e.g. the display). When the PDP-8 was in control, the LINC was halted until the PDP-8 wanted something done, whereupon an interrupt started the LINC running, to perform the desired action. | Special [[interrupt]]-driven code ('PROGOFOP' - 'program of operation') in the PDP-8 allowed code running in the LINC access to PDP-8 resources; the PDP-8 likewise had access to the resources of the LINC (e.g. the display). When the PDP-8 was in control, the LINC was halted until the PDP-8 wanted something done, whereupon an interrupt started the LINC running, to perform the desired action. | ||
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| + | Like its PDP-8, the LINC of the LINC-8 was also constructed of discrete [[transistor]] [[FLIP CHIP]]s, mostly R- and S-series, in [[DEC card form factor|standard-length single-height]] (width) format, with a few dual-height. | ||
It was later replaced as a product for DEC by the [[PDP-12]], which had the same functionality in a more integrated form. | It was later replaced as a product for DEC by the [[PDP-12]], which had the same functionality in a more integrated form. | ||
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** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/handbooks/SmallComputerHandbook_Mar67.pdf Small Computer Handbook, 1967 edition] - has a section with detailed information about the LINC-8 | ** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/dec/pdp8/handbooks/SmallComputerHandbook_Mar67.pdf Small Computer Handbook, 1967 edition] - has a section with detailed information about the LINC-8 | ||
* [https://www.pdp8online.com/images/linctape-images/linc-8-dial.shtml Images of LAP6 LINCtapes used on a LINC 8] - copies of tape contents | * [https://www.pdp8online.com/images/linctape-images/linc-8-dial.shtml Images of LAP6 LINCtapes used on a LINC 8] - copies of tape contents | ||
| + | * [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/firsts-history-computing-paul-g-allen-collection/linc-8-minicomputer-116/230054 LINC-8 minicomputer] - from [[Paul Allen]]'s collection at the [[Living Computer Museum|LCM]], includes several images | ||
[[Category: Minicomputers]] | [[Category: Minicomputers]] | ||
[[Category: Personal Computers]] | [[Category: Personal Computers]] | ||
[[Category: PDP-8s]] | [[Category: PDP-8s]] | ||
| + | [[Category: 12-bit Computers]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:02, 24 April 2025
The LINC-8 was a computer produced by DEC for use in laboratory settings; it included both a PDP-8 (the original model's CPU) and a LINC computer, which shared access to the PDP-8's main memory (the LINC acted as a DMA peripheral to the PDP-8, using the PDP-8 data break mechanism). A combined front panel allowed control of both CPUs.
Like the LINC, it included a video display (512x512 pixels resolution, but not a bit-mapped display), analog inputs, and LINC tape drives (all attached to the LINC); it could also include any of the standard PDP-8 peripherals (attached to the PDP-8).
Special interrupt-driven code ('PROGOFOP' - 'program of operation') in the PDP-8 allowed code running in the LINC access to PDP-8 resources; the PDP-8 likewise had access to the resources of the LINC (e.g. the display). When the PDP-8 was in control, the LINC was halted until the PDP-8 wanted something done, whereupon an interrupt started the LINC running, to perform the desired action.
Like its PDP-8, the LINC of the LINC-8 was also constructed of discrete transistor FLIP CHIPs, mostly R- and S-series, in standard-length single-height (width) format, with a few dual-height.
It was later replaced as a product for DEC by the PDP-12, which had the same functionality in a more integrated form.
Images
External links
- linc8 - LINC-8 at Bitsavers
- Small Computer Handbook, 1967 edition - has a section with detailed information about the LINC-8
- Images of LAP6 LINCtapes used on a LINC 8 - copies of tape contents
- LINC-8 minicomputer - from Paul Allen's collection at the LCM, includes several images
